The 9-Series (9.35, 9.45 & 9.65) of treadmills was specifically built for runners. These units are built like a truck and won't shake even a little with the heaviest user. They also offer excellent cushioning, strong motors and industrial strength components.
Given high marks from Runner's World Magazine and rated the #1 treadmill by Health magazine, the Lifespan TR4000 is a beautifully designed compact runners treadmill.
With speed and incline side handrail controls, you don't have to break your stride to reach up to the console. Also comes with an extra long belt and strong 3.25 HP Motor
Turn a boring old treadmill into your own personal fitness studio with this treadmill - a full-color web browser, iPod dock, cooling fan and even a 3% decline. The iFit LIVE lets you download new workouts, run trails all over the world and even track your fitness progress online over time.
Looking for the best treadmill for runners? Running is hard on the body. That amount of force on your joints and ligaments takes a toll.
So if you're a runner you need a LOT more from your treadmill than an occasional walker.
You want a machine that can support the extra stress and force of the constant pounding feet on the deck.
Here are features to look for in a treadmill if you're going to be running on it:
#1) Strong, Well Built Motor
I get people emailing me a lot about this problem. They buy a cheaply made treadmill and then start running on it, only to have the motor cut out and the belt stop on them mid-run one day.
Not good - and very dangerous.
Make sure you're buying a brand that uses high quality, high powered motors.
A good sign is a lifetime motor warranty and some type of cooling component to help extend the motor's life.
#2 Cushioning
This is absolutely essential to protect your body from the jarring impact of running. A good cushioning system will give you a measure of protection against the force of your step.
For example, several Smooth treadmills use the Impression cushioning system which gives you softer cushioning at the front of the treadmill where your foot lands with a firmer cushioning towards the back - where you push off.
With the extra firm push-off you get a more optimal workout and reduce the stress to your joints.
#3 Extra Long Belt
Most treadbelts range from 45" to 60" long. If you're a runner you need more space to pick up your pace. An average height runner for example will need at least a 55" long belt - longer if you can find it.
#4 Strong Deck
In addition to the cushioning, it's also essential to have a strong deck that can take a pounding and still holdup well. This is often a function of price. Don't expect anything under $800 to give you a strong deck.
Other Options
There are other options that some runners like but others don't. They include fitness tracking tools to you can chart how many miles you've logged and entertainment options like a built in Web Browser, TV or iPod dock to keep you entertained on those long runs.
The Nordic Track Commercial 2150 treadmill for example carries a built-in web browser with iFit LIVE that lets you connect your treadmill to the Internet and run famous trails all over the world - watching the landmarks on your full-color web browser screen. This - plus a 3% decline options takes running to a whole new level.
So those are some key things to look for when choosing the best treadmill for a runner.
No matter what you choose, take your time and choose a treadmill that gets you excited about using it.
